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Civil procedure

directed verdict

A directed verdict is a procedure used by judges during trial to dismiss one or more claims when the party with the burden of proof (plaintiff) has failed to introduce evidence that is sufficient for a reasonable jury to find in favor of the party with the burden of proof. A directed verdict is like a summary judgment, but happens during trial rather than before trial.

In Arizona, a directed verdict is a legal mechanism that a judge can use during a trial when the judge determines that no reasonable jury could find in favor of the party with the burden of proof, typically the plaintiff, based on the evidence presented. This is governed by Rule 50 of the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure. The party against whom the claim is made may move for a directed verdict at the close of the evidence presented by the opponent. If the court finds that the evidence is insufficient to justify a verdict for the party bearing the burden of proof, it may grant the motion and enter a verdict without the issue going to the jury. This differs from a summary judgment, which is decided before the trial begins and is based on the argument that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.

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Civil procedure

directed verdict

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Arizona State Code

Arizona State Code

Civil procedure

directed verdict

Articles